Tribute for Scottish national poet Robert Burns in Pakistan highlights Scotland-Pakistan partnership in education

A charity dinner was hosted by the British High Commissioner in Islamabad to pay tribute to Scotland’s national poet and songwriter, Robert Burns. The Burn’s Night celebrations emphasised the links between Scotland and Pakistan as being deep and enduring.

A treat of Scottish music at the dinner was provided by Scottish Ceilidh rock band Bahookie, featuring Scott Arnott (drums and vocals) and Neil Thompson (vocals, piano and guitar). Bahookie flew down from Scotland especially for this charity event – and was joined by pipers and drummers from the band of the 8th Azad Kashmir Regiment.

A special feature of the Burn’s Night celebration included traditional Scottish food such as Haggis, Neeps and Tatties, Scottish dancing and tributes to Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns. The proceeds of the charity event will support the education fund of the Government College for Women, Rawalpindi.

Speaking at the event, the British High Commissioner to Pakistan, Philip Barton, CMG OBE said, “Burns’ Night is one of our biggest annual celebrations. I am delighted to be able to host a charity event, while bringing to Pakistan some of Scotland’s finest traditions.

Burns’ Night is an ideal time to think about the impact Scots and Scotland have had on the world, including their significant contribution to education in Pakistan. Scotland, in collaboration with the British Council, provides scholarships for Pakistani School Children and Pakistani women to study Masters qualifications.

These people-to-people and educational links and a shared love of music and culture unite Scotland and Pakistan. ”

Joanna Reid, Head of DFID in Pakistan contributed her views about the event, “The links between Scotland and Pakistan are deep and enduring. From our proud traditions, the importance of hospitality and beautiful mountainous landscapes, our countries have much in common. The significant population of people of Pakistani origin in Scotland play a lead role in our culture, our politics and our society.

Scotland has also left its mark on Pakistan from the traditional bagpipe bands in the Pakistani army highlighting our shared history, to the modern factories of Sialkot and the Punjab producing bagpipes and tartan for use in Pakistan and export to the UK.

It is wonderful to be able to introduce my Pakistani friends and colleagues to the traditions of Scotland, to the Haggis, to our music and our culture.”

The night celebrated the united history of the two lands and a mutual respect that is shared between the two cultures even today.

This shared history is well illustrated in the large number of Pakistani students studying in Scottish and UK Universities today, and our range of marketing services continue to support  your Institution in their recruitment and profile raising work in Pakistan.